The best introductory books to Astrology?

“The Ascendant,” by Ms. Forrest, was one of the first books I bought (Hieronimuss cited it above). I think it was a great way for me to get the flavor of all the Signs. And then when I went on to study the Aspects, some of her words stuck in my mind, which helped.

This is for example how she decribes Venus:
“Venus may incline you to various forms of indulgence which boost your sense of well-being. Secretly, you may eat large quantities of sweets, or go on periodic shopping binges (usually buying beautiful clothes, jewellery, or aesthetic objects). If your Venus or your chart as a whole reflects the influence of Taurus more than Libra, you may deny your own materialism, while nevertheless allowing yourself to become quite attached to your belongings. You may also be ashamed of your indulgent behaviour, which may be excessive, but which is also a healthy attempt to love yourself and experience greater pleasure in life.”

Here my favorite by Debbi Kempton-Smith: Secrets from a Stargazer’s Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You. This book is very useful. But most of all it is extremly funny. The author writes with a highly inteligent and sharp wit, and she’s kinda zany and fun too!
Nevertheless, it is also the most detailed and concise book on amateur astrology I’ve ever read.
You wont be disapointed!!!

A great starter and/or ongoing book from anyone to the novice through to advanced. Gives a great basis for reading astrology through the houses, giving what each house represents. With the interpretations given for each sign on house, you can use this over and over, for your chart and charts of friends/family.

She examines the Ascendant through the lenses of the arts, psychology, relationships, evolutionary astrology and metaphysics. Beginners or professional astrologers will deepen their knowledge of the rising sign. With exercises for further study, topics include:

How the ascendant relates to first impressions, the persona, the body, the appearance, and developmental psychology.
How the ascendant can operate in relationships.
How the ascendant interacts with the Sun, the Moon & the rest of the chart.
The ascendant’s ruler.
Natal & dynamic aspects of the ascendant.

For example, in one very illuminating section of this book, Hickey discusses each of the signs as it manifests as the Ascendant – then under each sign as the Ascendant, she discusses each of the signs that would be on the other House Cusps if there are no interceptions, or if you use equal-house methods.

She shows you how the rising sign synthesizes with the signs on each of the cusps – to create some of the characteristics of people with that sign rising, and to color the house involved. This explains WHY a particular ascendant tends to produce people who behave a particular way.

“She may be as dainty as a fluffy, white bunny and she may whisper with gentle persuasion. She can dress in silks and laces, and her hair can smell of fragrant cologne. She might even look like a little doll you could lift with one hand (though a Taurus or Sagittarius ascendant would make her considerably more hefty). But with all her femininity, sweet mannerisms and lovely grace, this girl wears a pair of trousers with surprising ease, and they’ll fit her rather neatly. Her mental processes operate with male logic and they can match yours in any discussion you care to start. They can even top yours on occasion, although the female side of the Libra woman is usually too smart to let you catch on to that until you’re safely past the honeymoon. During the mating season, she’ll be careful not to beat you at chess, but she won’t hide her sharp mind behind those soft dimples forever. Eventually, you’ll be treated to a display of her brain power.”

I’m currently reading What the Hell is Going On in My Life?: Using your birthdate to find answers about relationships, career, money, sex & health by Larry Schwimmer . It explains the transit of outer planets through the houses. You can see what will happen and how best to maneuver in areas of health, career, finances, relationships, real estate, spiritual life, investments, education, children, and much more. Each house on your chart represents certain areas. Each slow moving planet (Jupiter through Pluto) going through a house (which can last from a year or up to 21 years) affects those areas of your life governed by the house. It’s THAT SIMPLE!

There are several introductory chapters to give you an overview, and then a chapter for each house, including the effects of each planet going through them. There’s a section after each planet, as for example: “Considerations, Actions, Decisions During Neptune in the First House.” This section has questions you need to consider. Very good!